More than 33 percent of all college students transfer at least once during their academic career. Different people transfer for different reasons, whether it be money, homesick, issues with major, etc.

After my first semester, I knew what my reason was for when my parents asked me why after telling them,

“I’m going to give it one more semester.”

After giving it one more semester I know what my reason is for staying for another six.

I think the song “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts can explain what I feel better than I will ever be able to.

“I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
That every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms.”

At the time, I could not see beyond the unfortunate events that occurred in my life, to realize the greater blessings that I would later endure.

Being deferred from one of the best schools in the country, made me realize the school that I was destined to be at my whole life.

Being dropped by sororities that I thought I wanted only for their reputations, made me find the one that I actually belong in.

Being dumped from some of the people I thought were my best friends, made me find the ones who actually are.

Now, I understand why these incidents that I thought were the worst things to ever happen to me, may have actually been the best.

“It’s all apart of a grander plan that is coming true.”

This grander plan involved me meeting my people. These are the people that I can always count to be by my side whether it be after the best or worst day, right down to my wedding day.

These are the people who will make me remember the nights we never slept, opposed to the ones that I got a full night’s rest.

These are the people that share the same inside jokes with me that I will be laughing at 40 years from now and them telling me, “Victoria, the joke was never that funny.”

I hope you know how much you mean to me.

I hope you know that I will always be rooting for you no matter where you go and what you do.

I hope you know that you are beautiful both inside and out.

I hope you know that before you I could not wait to go home, but now I can because I found a home in you.

Lastly, I hope you know how much better my life is with you in it.

“God bless the broken road, that led me straight to you.”